Apotheosis

Even as he was preoccupied with killing the Sharp-winged Sun Crows, Maxim couldn't help but observe Zen's movements.

The longer he watched Zen, the more astonished he became.

Even though it looked like he was fighting casually, Zen's attacks spared no target.

Even more shocking was the fact that while Zen was dealing with his own opponents, he managed to look after Rupert, Alfie and some others as well! If any of them missed a target and a Sun Crow managed to break through the defense line, Zen would calmly strike it down before it was able to hurt anyone.

To test his theory, Maxim intentionally let some Sun Crows break through. Just as the crows would make it past the defense line, in the blink of an eye, a sword radiance from Zen's direction would instantly slash through them.

'I can't believe this!' Maxim shook his head in awe.

He felt a wave of shame come crashing down on him, as he never expected a man in the first stage of the Other Shore Realm would render him, an esteemed Oneness Guard, inferior. He knew that the others would laugh their heads off if they knew how he felt, but that didn't stop the inferiority complex from clawing at his heart.

Despite of this, Maxim also had an overwhelming feeling of hope knowing Zen was on their side.

With Zen, the others could focus on using their most powerful theurgies without having to worry about their own safety. Reassured of their safety, Maxim proceeded to concentrate on channeling his power to defeat the Sun Crow race.

With this chemistry, the area they were guarding was practically invincible.

However, the situation of the other areas wasn't as good.

The casualties began to pile up as more and more Sharp-winged Sun Crows flocked towards the city. Although more Oneness Guards showed up to join the fight, the situation was not in the human race's favor.

"Blood Sun Crows are coming!"

"Retreat! Retreat!"

"Let Oneness Guards deal with them!"

Thousands of scarlet-colored crows filled the skies.

The Blood Sun Crows were covered with flame-like feathers which were stronger than iron. There was no way ordinary warriors would be able to deal a force such as this!

As the Blood Sun Crows circled the sky preparing to attack, all the Oneness Guards mobilized. Now was the real battle between the two parties' elite warriors.

Three strong Blood Su

e feeling lingered in his heart. Suddenly, a dazzling white light exploded above his head, temporarily blinding him. The energy released by it left him dazed and confused.

'Who did it?

One of my colleagues?

A two-star Oneness Guard or a three-star one?' Maxim thought to himself.

When his vision and wits returned and the light faded, he realized that the Blood Sun Crow he was about to strike was headless, blood messily spurting out of its neck. The crow that once seemed so menacing now lay lifeless on the ground.

Frightened, the other two Blood Sun Crows nervously flapped their wings backwards. Even nonhuman creatures such as them could feel fear.

When Maxim whipped his head around to see who saved him, he was stunned. "What? It's you again..."

This marked the second time Zen had saved his life in such a short amount of time. Maxim wanted to thank him, yet was too embarrassed. He was at a loss for words.

Having narrowly escaped death again, he didn't know whether to laugh or cry, or both. Briefly, he reflected on how he had ordered Zen to leave that time he visited the Grand River Fortress to pick up his followers. If Zen had obeyed him back then, Maxim would have been dead by now.

"You were willing to die with that animal? Tsk, tsk," Zen taunted playfully with a shake of his head.

As he walked towards Maxim, layers upon layers of Ways-blending Energy flashed on the surface of the sword in his hand.

Rupert, Alfie, and the others who witnessed Zen's strike just now all dropped their jaws, flabbergasted at what just happened.